May 25 - Puerto Rico is enforcing local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), such as social distancing, mandatory face coverings in public areas, and a variety of mandates for businesses – including, but not limited to, reduced capacities and high standards of cleanliness in accordance with CDC and EPA guidelines. The Department of Health has increased resources to ensure travelers are abiding by local guidelines. 

 

Travelers entering any of the Island’s three open airports, whether on commercial or private aircraft, are required to fill out a Travel Declaration Form on the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal which produces a QR code required to proceed. Both international/not vaccinated travelers must also upload a negative PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test result to the portal. Fully vaccinated travelers entering on domestic flights are permitted to present their vaccination card instead of a negative test. Given federal mandates, the requirement will remain in place for travelers on international flights. All passengers will also be required to present their ID to ensure alignment with the information entered within the Travel Declaration Form.

 

For those who must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test, the protocol is as follows:

 

For fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights:

• Required to upload official Vaccination Card, as proof of vaccination through the Travel Declaration Form portal

 

For non-vaccinated travelers arriving on domestic flights:

• Required to provide evidence of either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival • If the traveler arrives without a test, they must upload either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken on the Island, within 48 hours of arrival, or they will receive a $300 fine • If the uploaded result is negative, the quarantine is lifted. If the result is positive, the person must isolate and follow the local isolation protocol at his/her own expense

 

For international travelers, regardless of vaccination status:

• Required to provide evidence of either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival • If the traveler arrives without a test, they will be required to upload either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken on the Island, within 48 hours of arrival, or they will receive a $300 fine • If the uploaded result is negative, the quarantine is lifted. If the result is positive, the person must isolate and follow the local isolation protocol at his/her own expense

 

There will be an option for those who are not vaccinated and arriving to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), to receive a Johnson and Johnson vaccine in Terminal B.

 

For any questions regarding the airport entry process, travelers should contact the Health Department at 939-592-5115 or infoviajeros@salud.pr.gov.

 

Public beaches and natural reserves are open, following social distancing guidelines. Fully vaccinated travelers will not be required to wear a mask on beaches and parks. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations are open, with supermarket delivery services available through midnight. Businesses including restaurants, casinos, museums, and pools at hotels are operating at 50% capacity. Reservations are suggested where applicable given limited capacities Island-wide. Bars remain closed. Some businesses, such as lodging options and spas, may require proof of a negative test result upon arrival. It is recommended that visitors check entry requirements prior to visiting.

 

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and excluded from the CDC requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to return to the mainland United States. Quarantine mandates, recommendations, and entry requirements may vary by state. A continuous assessment of the situation in Puerto Rico and in the United States influences Island-wide orders that prioritize the health and safety of residents and visitors. For travel recommendations provided by the CDC, please see here.

 

Airport Processes:

• The Puerto Rico National Guard is assisting with enhanced health screenings of all arriving passengers at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, as well as the Mercedita International Airport in Ponce and Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, which have reopened to airline passengers. Face masks are mandatory at all airports • All arriving travelers at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan will be pre-screened via thermographic cameras to monitor temperatures, and enhanced protocols will take place at baggage claim before exiting the airport • For passengers who are not vaccinated or traveling internationally, the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers PCR molecular COVID-19 tests on-site for incoming and outgoing passengers. The service, which costs $110 USD, is offered from 6:00 AM. to 8:00 PM, seven days a week, at three molecular test collection centers located at terminals A, B, and C. More information is available here. The service will soon be available at the Mercedita International Airport in Ponce and Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla

 

Asymptomatic Traveler (person who doesn't present COVID-19 related symptoms)

• If an asymptomatic traveler (a person who doesn't present COVID-19 symptoms) who is not vaccinated or is traveling internationally arrives on the Island with a complete Travel Declaration Form and, a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test result uploaded to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal, they will receive a, and an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, and the traveler can proceed with their trip • If an asymptomatic traveler (a person who doesn't present any symptoms) who is not vaccinated or is traveling internationally arrives on the Island with a complete Travel Declaration Form but is awaiting the PCR molecular COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior, the traveler is required to upload those results within 48 hours of arrival, at traveler’s expense. Those who fail to do so will be fined $300           > If the PCR molecular test result is negative, they may upload it to the online portal and proceed with their trip           > If the PCR molecular test result is positive, the traveler must isolate and seek medical attention. Travelers placed in isolation will be responsible for their own medical expenses/extended stay. Those who test positive will not be able to travel until the Health Department releases them

 

Symptomatic traveler (person who is displaying COVID-19 related symptoms)

• If a symptomatic traveler (a person who is displaying COVID-19 related symptoms) who is not vaccinated or is traveling internationally arrives on the Island, the Puerto Rico National Guard will conduct a PCR molecular COVID-19 test at the airport and it will be mandatory for the traveler to quarantine and cover their own medical expenses/possible extended stay. The quarantine is mandated until the traveler receives the negative test result and digitally uploads proof of a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test result to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. A list of testing sites in Puerto Rico will be available at the airport and can also be found here. Those who test positive will not be able to travel until the Health Department releases them

 

For more information, please visit discoverpuertorico.com.

 

 

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